Opened in 1878 and through a series of donations and bequests the gallery now houses a wonderful collection of paintings, sculpture and contemporary art. As well as a wide variety of permanent exhibitions it also runs an active programme of events for both public and corporate guests. The permanent collection was founded in 1879 when a local collector, Miss Ball, made a bequest of oils and watercolour paintings. It now includes works from such eminent artists as L.S. Lowry and Henry Moore.